WRC: Evans returns for Monte Carlo

Elfyn Evans will return to the World Rally Championship's top class for the first time in a year at the Rallye Monte-Carlo. The Welshman will drive a third M-Sport Ford Fiesta in the season-opening event, which starts on Jan. 19.

Evans was part of M-Sport's manufacturer squad in 2014 and 2015, but was dropped to the WRC 2 category last year and claimed three class wins in a Fiesta R5. This year, Evans's car will use DMACK tires, while his teammates Sebastien Ogier and Ott Tanak will use Michelins.

Defending champion Ogier tops the Monte entries in his number one Fiesta, with Tanak and new co-driver Martin Jarveoja carrying number two and Evans three.

Citroen Total Abu Dhabi drivers Kris Meeke and Stephane Lefebvre have numbers seven and eight on their new C3 WRCs. After an appearance at November's Rally du Var, co-driver Gabin Moreau will be back alongside Lefebvre for the first time in the WRC since he was injured five months ago at ADAC Rallye Deutschland.

Craig Breen will drive a 2016-spec DS 3 WRC on the Monte but is expected to take the team's second manufacturer-registered C3 in Sweden.